Earth Without Art Is Just "Eh"

Earth Day was this past Sunday, April 22^nd. Earth Day began in 1970, following the 1962 publication of Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson.  Carson’s book raised awareness on our country’s use of pesticides and their pollution of the environment, and she is often credited as starting the modern environmental movement.  Earth Day originally started as a day of education about environmental issues, and has expanded ever since.  Since 1990, Earth Day has been celebrated globally, with 140 nations participating.

Those of you who know me, know that I like to live as environmentally-friendly as possible. I recycle, use re-usable bags and containers, and try to cook with as much local food as possible. Buying my first home last year has opened up new ways of living more sustainably.  In addition to using compact fluorescent light bulbs inside the home, I have been able to install a photocell that harvests solar energy to run my outdoor lights. I started a small garden, and soon, IPL will be coming out to install my low-flow shower and faucet aerators. To me, it has become a lifestyle and I’m always looking for new ways to use less.

In a few weeks, we will be discussing climate change and its effects on the planet. I know there’s a lot of controversy around the issue, but quite frankly, I think this is one of the biggest issues your generation may have to face. So my question to you this week is, “Do you think humans contribute to global warming? What would you be willing to do to help lower your effects on the environment?”  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, May 2^nd, 2012

I Owe My Soul to the University

All of my schooling was paid for through student loans.  My parents couldn’t really afford to help me out much.  I worked full-time all through college, but it barely covered the cost of my housing and my living expenses. So, when the government said they’d give me a bunch of money to help pay for college – I took it. My younger self didn’t think too much about the burden my older self would have to bear when it came time to start paying it all back.  So, when I got an email this week asking me to sign a petition to support the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012 (H.R. 4170), I took notice.

Since 1999, average student loan debt has increased by 511%.  In 2010, total outstanding student loan debt exceeded total outstanding credit card debt in America for the first time ever.  That’s right – even in our “credit happy” society, Americans still owe even more on their student loans. In 2012, total outstanding student loan debt is expected to exceed $1 trillion.

In response to this crisis, U.S. Representative Hansen Clarke of Michigan has introduced H.R. 4170, the Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012, which would extend a helping hand to those struggling under massive amounts of student debt.  You can read more about the provision of the bill here: http://tinyurl.com/7akydbk

So, my question to you this week is, “Do you think student loan debt is as much of a problem as it’s been reported? Do you think forgiving student loan debt after 10 years will help or hurt the economy?”  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, April 25^th, 2012.  If you wish to sign the petition supporting the bill, you can electronically sign it here: http://signon.org/sign/support-the-student-loan.fb1?source=c.fb&r_by=525506

Justice for Trayvon

By now, most of you have probably heard of Trayvon Martin, the 17 year old, African American boy who was fatally shot by George Zimmerman on February 26^th. By all accounts, Martin was walking to the store, when he was spotted by Zimmerman, the community watch coordinator.  Zimmerman called police to report suspicious behavior by Martin which he described as, “just walking around, looking about” in the rain. He also reported that Martin looked like, “he is up to no good, on drugs or something”. When Zimmerman told the police dispatcher that Martin had begun running and that he was following him, the dispatcher said, “we don’t need you to do that”.  You can hear the full audio of Zimmerman’s 9-1-1 call here: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/videogallery/68871920/News/George-Zimmerman-911-call-reporting-Trayvon-Martin

What happened next is disputed, but what we do know is that whatever happened resulted in the death of Trayvon Martin.  Zimmerman claimed self-defense under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” provision which states that a person does not have to retreat before using deadly force, if he believes it is necessary to do so to prevent great bodily harm to himself. Zimmerman has stated that Marin approached him, began beating him, breaking his nose and smashing his head into the ground, before Zimmerman was able to get to his gun. Martin’s girlfriend, who was on the phone with Martin shortly before the shooting, said Martin was scared and was wondering why Zimmerman was following him. Zimmerman was not charged at the time of the shooting.

Since that time, public outrage over the handling of the case has resulted in numerous protests and demonstrations across the country.  The FBI opened an investigation to determine if Martin’s rights had been violated.  Many are calling it a racially motivated hate crime. On Wednesday, 45 days after Martin’s death, Zimmerman was charged with 2^nd degree murder.

My question to you this week is two-fold. “Do you think race had anything to do with the shooting, or the way police handled the case? Do you agree with Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” provision?  Why or why not?”  You must answer all questions to earn full credit.  Answers are due no later than Wednesday, April 18^th, 2012.